(Des Plaines, IL) December 22, 2009  - The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) has announced that Harvey Mapstone has been named as a GIS Professional (GISP). 

Sources within GISCI indicate that Harvey Mapstone is Santa's lead mapping elf.  Mr. Mapstone reportedly manages the GIS team at the North Pole in coordination with NORAD (www.noradsanta.org).  Wendy Nelson, GISCI Interim Executive Director for 2009, was unavailable for comment because she was on vacation.  Sheila Wilson, GISP and new Executive Director of GISCI, confirmed that Mr. Mapstone was a certified GISP but stated that she could not confirm or deny his employment.  An internet search of Mr. Mapstone's accomplishments showed the following journal articles:

·        Christmas Maps Around the World

·        Database Design: Integrating Population Data with Regional Toy Preferences

·        Using Real-Time Christmas Eve Data from NORAD and NOAA

·        Geolocation and Mistletoe

 Ed Arabas, GISP and President of GISCI, stated that he was unable to confirm or deny the GISP status of North Pole personnel but believes they have a large staff with many elves who qualify for certification through GISP.

 About GISCI: The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is a tax-exempt not-for-profit organization that provides the geographic information systems (GIS) community with a complete professional certification program.  Those who complete the certification program are GIS Professionals (GISP). GISCI offers participants from the first early years on the job until retirement a positive method of developing value for professionals and employers in the GIS profession.  (www.gisci.org)